Movie review: Spy x Family Code: White

Spy x Family Code: White, directed by Takashi Katagiri, cooks up a fun mix of spy action and cooking challenges. And the best thing about it? It's a standalone, which means you don't have to have watched a single episode of the show to watch it.

So, please, go watch it.

Spy x Family is a delightful blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming family moments that has quickly become a fan favorite. The show follows the thrilling life of Loid Forger, a top-tier spy who must build a fake family for his latest mission, not knowing that the woman he marries is a deadly assassin and their adopted daughter, Anya, can read minds. This setup leads to hilarious misunderstandings and touching moments as each family member keeps their true identity secret while unknowingly supporting each other’s clandestine activities. With its charming mix of espionage and domestic life, along with Anya’s adorable antics and the parents' impressive skills, Spy x Family masterfully balances thrilling action with laugh-out-loud humor and genuine warmth, making it an irresistible watch for viewers of all ages.

This movie takes the Forger family, usually involved in secret spy mission shenanigans, and puts them in a hilarious cooking competition, kind of like what you’d see in a cooking show. Here, Loid, the ever-so-handsome and mysterious spy dad, switches from spy tools to a chef's hat to help his adorable daughter Anya win a baking contest at school. It’s light, fun, and filled with the show’s usual charm and humor.

The main characters - -Loid, Yor, and Anya - are just as lovable and hilarious as always. Loid is funny and clever both as a dad and a spy. Yor’s action scenes are some of the most exciting parts of the movie. But Anya is the real star - her energy and cute expressions make every scene better. Her friendship with her big fluffy dog, Bond, adds a sweet touch to the movie as her antics go beyond anything we've seen in the show, making me sob from laughing at one very specific point (I will not spoil it for you as it is the funniest moment in the entire movie and you just need to watch for yourself).

As far as the story goes, it is a bit thin - enjoyable and easy to watch but doesn’t really dig deep or offer any big surprises. It feels more like an extra-long TV episode than an important new part of the Forger family's story. I am definitely not complaining, it was beyond entertaining. But I'd be lying if it didn't just feel like a giant filler episode coated in hilarious moments and excellent voice acting.

Spy x Family Code: White is like a light snack - nice and easy to like but not very filling. It’s a good enough watch for fans and a gentle way for new viewers to meet the Forger family, but if you’re hoping for the rich depth of the Spy x Family series at its best, this might seem a bit simple. Still, it's enjoyable enough to keep us interested in more adventures with the Forgers, offering just enough of the things we like to make us come back for more.